Serving tray

ABSTRACT

This invention is a serving tray with a handle and arm support for reducing repetitive injury. And having feet to hold the tray above the handle when at rest

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of serving trays.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The state of the art in serving trays is a flat profile generallyin an oval, rectangular or even kidney shape. Some have change boxesaffixed. These trays can cause serious joint and muscle injuries in thewrist, elbow and forearm. The invention overcomes the tendency towardrepetitive injury by providing superior hand position and control andbalance of the tray.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A first object of the invention is to provide a tray with ahandle that will improve arm position under the load. This arm positionwill decrease repetitive motion injury. A second object is to provide asupport system so that the tray is supported above the handle when beingloaded or not in use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0004]FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view.

[0005]FIG. 2 is a top perspective view.

[0006]FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a second embodiment.

[0007]FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a second embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:

[0008]FIG. 1 shows an bottom view of a tray having an arm rest 2 foraccepting a server's arm and providing lateral support so that the traywon't easily slip off the arm. The arm rest 2 is lined with a foampadding material 3 to cushion the arm. At an end opposite the arm rest 2the tray has a handle 4. The invention contemplates a handle 4 in avertical and horizontal orientation. The tray further has feet 5disposed so as to provide a stable platform for loading items on thetray; as few as three feet will suffice. It is contemplated that the armrest 2 and the handle 4 may have integral portions that will act as feetas well. In a preferred embodiment a foot is located substantially neara corner of a rectangular tray in order to provide maximum stability.

[0009] In another embodiment a horizontal handle 4 may be attachedbetween two of the feet 5.

[0010] In another embodiment the tray incorporates a drawer 6 under thetray 1 for change or a tablet or a calculator.

[0011]FIGS. 3 and 4 show a second embodiment where the handle 4 ispresented in a configuration parallel to the tray 1.

[0012] The invention also contemplates providing a docking station wherethe tray can rest without the need of feet 4 on the tray and leaving thehandle free from interfering with the attitude of the tray duringloading

[0013] Obviously, numerous (additional) modifications and variations ofthe present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Itis, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appendedclaims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specificallydescribed herein.

1. A serving tray comprising a planar member and handle means extendingbelow a surface thereof.
 2. A serving tray as described in claim 1further comprising arm support means extending below said surface.
 3. Aserving tray as described in claim 2 further comprising at least footmeans for steadying said tray when at rest.
 4. A serving tray asdescribed in claim 1 wherein one of said handle means comprise footmeans for supporting said tray when placed on a flat surface.
 5. Aserving tray as described in claim 2 wherein said arm support meanscomprise foot means for supporting a tray on a flat surface.
 6. Aserving tray as described in claim 2 comprising at least three feet forsupporting said tray on a flat surface.
 7. A serving tray as describedin claim 2 further comprising means for attaching a second trayslideably to said tray.
 8. A serving tray as described in claim 7wherein said second tray is attached to said surface wherein said handleis attached.